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Where did he come from?

Dubravka only joined Sparta Prague last summer and lost his place in the side after a shaky start. He regained his jersey but did not hesitate to join Newcastle when the call came from Rafa Benitez last month.

Can the move be made permanent?

Yes. It is understood there is a £4m option to buy and that looks a bargain based on this evidence. As one excited fan tweeted: 'Can goalkeepers win the Ballon d'Or?'

Dubravka made a number of vital saves, including one from Anthony Martial's one-on-one

Why did Newcastle need a new goalkeeper?

Benitez was frustrated when a deal for Willy Caballero collapsed in the summer and he does not think Rob Elliot or Karl Darlow are good enough to be his No 1.

Dubravka was the difference between three points and possibly none against United, so already it is looking a shrewd judgement by the boss.

Is he an international?

It is a surprise that, at 29, Dubravka has only nine caps for Slovakia. Indeed, this was his first appearance in a major European league and there is little on his CV to suggest he should be a success in the Premier League.

But Benitez insists he is the real deal and it could well be that he has unearthed a gem.

He only has nine caps for Slovakia aged 29 but Rafa Benitez could have unearthed a real gem